Estimation and mapping of radioactive heat production by aerial spectrometric gamma and fractal modeling techniques in the Syrian desert (Area-1), Syria.

Radioactive heat production (HP) in the Syrian desert (Area-1) is estimated by using the available data of aerial spectrometric gamma technique. The HP is separately well characterized for 10 geological units, which are identified on the already established Area-1 scored map. Fractal technique combined with concentration-number (C-N) model and log-log graphs is used to map total radioactivity, equivalent uranium, and HP in Area-1. The HP in Area-1 varies between a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 7.23 μw/m, with an average of 0.584 μw/m and a standard deviation of 0.341 μw/m. The lithological phosphatic units A, B, C, and D are characterized by a higher HP than their surrounding units, because of their richness in uranium concentrations.